The Danube Tower of Vienna

The Danube Tower of Vienna

The ‘Vienna Donauturm’ or Danube Tower was built in 1964 and has since become an integral part of the Vienna skyline. As a popular tourist viewing point, the tower has over 450,000 visitors a year. Rising for 252 meters from the greenery of the Donaupark, the tower looks over the bank of Europe’s second longest river, the Danube. The park and gardens around the tower are relaxing and lovely to walk through, and there is a beer garden situated at the base of the tower, so give yourself some time to reach the main attraction. 

776 steps lead to the Donauturm viewing platform; but don’t worry, if you aren’t up for the climb there are two elevators to help you out. These travel 150 meters in just 35 seconds. Although once the site of a tragic air-balloon accident in 1968, the platform now serves as what I’m sure is a very safe bungee site for some of the thrill seekers among you! Rather you than me – I have to say!

The Danube Tower isn’t just a pretty place, it serves as a communication tower, and is also home to not one, but two revolving restaurants! The ‘Panorama’ and ‘Isola’ restaurants sit above the viewing platform, and from here you can gaze over the old Austrian capital and the Vienna woods from one of the tallest buildings in the city. 

View of the Danube Tower from a distance

You’ll need to call ahead and book a table during the summer months, and pay a fee to enter the tower; however if you time your meal to coincide with the sunset it will all definitely be well worth it. Enjoy some excellent Austrian delicacies here, but perhaps leave it a while before hitting the bungee ropes.

The Danube Tower of Vienna really is a great tourist attraction in its own right; but it also serves as one of the most fashionable eating establishments in the city with a view that really is to die for.